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SW EATS: WOODEN GOAT SOUTHEAST ASIAN CAFE

Finally, we were able to try one of Avondale’s newest restaurants, Wooden Goat, which features Southeast Asian cuisine. It’s the brainchild of Chef Matt Ralph, who previously worked at neighborhood favorite Hotbox Parkside just down the street.Wooden Goat has been packed since it opened in February. The restaurant has had a major wait, people are flooding in to taste Ralph’s new menu and sit on the ideally-located patio. We went at 8:30pm on a Wednesday night and were able to sit right down.

First, we tried the Country Style Ribs. We have never met a Korean-style rib that we didn’t love. This was no exception. They were by far my favorite part of the meal. Juicy and tender, with the smoky sweetness that Korean BBQ is all about. They were served on a bed of cold noodles and lemongrass. Next time we plan to order two of these…! Next, we tried the Lemongrass Chicken Sausage which was served with perfectly sticky jasmine rice and an awesome Thai-style chili sauce called Nam Phrik.

The server helped us choose two entrees based on our preferences, the Khao Soi bowl and the Ginger Beef Vermicelli. The Khao Soi bowl was a chicken thigh red curry with wheat noodles, and it packed a delicious spicy punch. The Ginger Vermicelli was a lighter dish served on a bed of bibb lettuce, gorgeous watermelon radishes, carrots and noodles. The dishes complemented each other well- the first rich and savory, and the second light and tasty.

There is nothing cheesy or pretentious about this place, it’s no frills, well-executed food with a cool, laid back atmosphere. We will definitely be back to hang out on the patio and watch the Avondale night traffic go by. They are also serving lunch. I hear that the bahn mi is sure to please.